Weller: Music comes first, after kids

Paul Weller found splitting from his long-term partner difficult, but better than 'living a lie'.

The 52-year-old singer – who has five children from previous relationships – also admits it was difficult to split from Samantha Stock, his partner of 13 years, to embark on a romance with now-fiancee Hannah Andrews two years ago, but says he couldn’t continue to “live a lie”.

He added: “Splitting up was hard as well. But at the end of the day, I’ve fallen in love with someone else. You can’t live a lie. You have to follow your heart.”

The ‘Wake Up The Nation’ singer also admits his career is more important than personal relationships.

Asked if music or personal relationships are more important, he said: “An honest answer involves hurting other people. But if I’m really honest, outside of my kids, it would be music.”

The outspoken star also laughed at the decision to offer him a CBE in Britain’s Queen Elizabeth’s birthday honours in 2006 – which he turned down.

Hr said: “It was comical. I’m not the sort of person who would expect something like that. It’s not as if the dear old queen chooses them herself. And even if she did, I’m not having it.”